job ads and job discription

even experienced managers and supervisors can find themselves confused by the differences between a job description and a job ad the two are distinct entities with each playing its own unique role in the recruitment process welcome to HR over coffee an educational series from the experts at HR 360 covering HR topics like recruitment hiring and firing employee benefits and more an easy way to understand the primary difference between job ads and descriptions is that a job ad is an external document whereas a job description is an internal corporate document the function of a job ad is to attract candidates whereas a job description is used to screen candidates for potential hiring a job description serves as a basis for review of applicant qualifications and interview questions it should also be used to benchmark employee performance at review time let's take a quick look at the basic elements of a job description begin with a summary statement which outlines the jobs purpose and goals in three or four sentences following that ad the job title the jobs classification as exempt or non-exempt job location and supervisory and reporting responsibilities next identify specific responsibilities the position is tasked with but no more than ten describe tasks in a logical manner use action verbs such as develop organize or coordinate and include the overall purpose or benefit of each task for example updating marketing database to assure all client information is current now move on to identify the skills and expertise necessary to perform each task listed in the job description including any special training or certifications also describe relevant past experience and educational requirements outline work conditions including hours travel in any unusual environmental circumstances finally document compensation including pay range benefits bonuses and other incentives done correctly a job description is a dynamic document that will be kept and referred to over time especially during performance reviews job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they're accurate and up to date job description builders like the one available in the HR library can do a lot of the work for you by generating custom job descriptions in minutes now let's look at job ads the mechanism by which you attract candidates tell them how to apply and market your business as a great place to work when writing your job ad draw on the Job Description to draft a job title that will make your posting stand out and build critical information into that title for example instead of saying Java developer say Senor Java developer for high-growth company in New York City next sell your company brand your image market position values and culture a company's brand also includes its size and location expertise within a particular industry or service area and awards and recognition now move on to describe the job itself and qualities you're seeking in applicants referring again to your job description include an overview of responsibilities of the position as well as the jobs requirements such as skills and experience education or special certifications detail whether the position is full or part-time where it's located and salary information it's acceptable to use a phrase such as salary commensurate with experience instead of quoting actual figures next provide clear precise directions on how to apply outlines specific steps such as emailing a resume or linking to your websites recruitment portal be explicit as to what the candidate should include such as a resume portfolio or a completed application form an applicant's ability to follow instructions is your first screening tool feel free to add a very specific instruction in your directions to test attention to detail make sure your ad complies with non-discrimination laws that apply finally proofread your ad carefully before posting it thank you for joining us today to discuss job descriptions and job ads as we said they serve very different but related functions and both merit your full effort and attention to learn more about recruitment hiring an employee management and to access our custom job description builder visit us online at HR 360 com.